Business Planning

While developing a business plan is optional for participants, it is strongly encouraged.  Participants will not only learn the value of having a plan, but will be given the opportunity to end the program by presenting their plan to a panel of experts and peers.  Participants will receive a business plan template they can use as is or modify to suit their needs, and learn where to get the information to complete it.

Networking

We've all heard how important it is to network to develop contacts, referrals, and just plain get more sales.  But no one ever tells anybody how to network.  Participants will develop their networking skills throughout the program, learning the anatomy of networking, as well as numerous tools, tips, techniques and etiquette associated with top performers.

Business Research and Information Resources

Many people are not aware of the numerous free resources available to help entrepreneurs with their business development.  This module demonstrates what resources are available, where to find them, and how to use them.  We will do this by walking you through a case study of the start-up of a home based business that eventually moves to a store-front.

Technology

Hardware & Software - Set-up options current vs future; software recommendations (contact management; accounting, web tools, PC vs web based software), cell phones, PDAs, Blackberries.

Document Control, Naming Conventions

Emerging Technologies to Boost Revenues - Social networking (MySpace, Facebook), web 2.0 tools (blogs, podcast technology), broader customer reach (eBay, Craigslist)

Organizing Your Workspace

Organizing your workspace to suit your business is important to do right from the beginning.  Being disorganized can cost you sales.  Learn how every business is the same and how knowing this can help you organize your way to a stress free work environment.

Time Management

They say that 80% of our results flow form 20% of our efforts.  Learn to remove the time wasters and focus on the important things, while developing a pattern for work-life balance.

Setting Up Your Books

Setting up your books a certain way can assist in the compilation of information that will be very useful for future planning.  Realizing this, we work through your chart of accounts linking them to your business plan to highlight the value of organizing them in a manner suited to your business.
You'll also learn how to handle accounts payable, accounts receivable, avoid bad debt, as well as WSIB,GST, & PST.

Canada Revenue Agency

Participants develop first hand knowledge about federal and provincial government reporting expectations of small business

Legal

What are the different forms of business ownership and which is suitable to you?  What's involved with registering your business?  How should you manage partnerships? Protect yourself and your clients by ensuring you have the proper quotes and contracts in place. What kind of impact does privacy legislation have on you?  Manage the risk.

Insurance

Get the right coverage for yourself and your business.  But what is the right coverage?  Topics to be covered include:  Business property, liability, errors and omissions, business interruption, life disability and critical illness, key person, partnership, and many other types of insurance.  Make informed decisions.

Image

Your brand begins with you.  The importance of self-branding - if you don't do it for yourself, others will do it for you.  Learn to harness the power of image:  communicating a key messae through your attitude, skills and appearance.  Start making lasting first impressions that send positive signal. Avoid the negative.

Loans Lines and Leases

Learn to maximize your financial resources with loans, lines of credit and leases.  Did you know you can lease just about anything?  Our experts will show you where to find the equipment you need to get you started.

Marketing and Branding

Why bother with branding?  Learn what you need to do to keep you message consistant with who you are and what you represent.

Website Design & Development

This module is all about web marketing, web selling, leads & traffic generation. The content is packed with demos, hints, tips, and issues. It is ideal for anyone who is looking to build a website, or thinking about web selling but is not sure how to create the needed traffic to generate leads. It is a marketing and business presentation rather than a technical one.  
 
Topics covered include:  qualities of a good website, the value of marketing, what is a good marketing website, demos of effective marketing websites, 4 major considerations in web selling (costing, operation, delivery, technical), traffic and lead generation, search engine strategies, pay per click.

Graphics

Develop a look that creates the visual impact you're looking for.

Communication

Personalities take special treatment.  Sell to your personality type.

Selling Effectively

Turn every pitch into a home run!  Learn the art of selling effectively from 2 seasoned professional.  You'll learn how to win small and large clients over with a guidance from our experts.

Customer Service & Telephone Techniques

Effective customer service plays a huge role in your success.  Learn what it takes to win customer loyalty; what drives customer satisfaction; how to create customer partnerships; understand behaviour and personality factors; apply winning telephone tips and techniques.

Trade Shows

Trade shows are an excellent way to create visibility and generate sales.  Learn the secrets to running a great trade show booth.

Advertising, Media Coverage & Promotions

Get the word out!  Build your business.  What type of media coverage should you be looking for? How else can you promote yourself.  Learn how to create a great ad.

Costing & Pricing

How much should you be charging for your product or service?  Many people starting out business don't recognize the value of their time when setting prices.  Learn how to establish the minimum.

Managing Resources

This module discusses how to find, hire and keep good people.  Two experts present on the subject to give you the interpersonal and legal factors to consider.

Presentation Skills

Public speaking is said to be the most feared, next to death.  Learn the fundamentals of making effective presentations.  Participants will be given the chance to volunteer to practice their presentation skills.  Learn to do and say the right things.